Advancing Health Disparities Research
Auburn University's Health Disparities graduate program equips students with hands-on, community-based research experience to address health inequities. With expert faculty and access to NIH-funded opportunities, students engage in interdisciplinary collaboration to develop real-world solutions.
Auburn University's Health Disparities Research graduate program, within the Department of Human Development and Family Science, focuses on addressing health inequities affecting underserved populations. Students investigate social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities, particularly in race, ethnicity, rural health and socioeconomic status.
Graduates from Auburn's College of Human Sciences health disparities program are equipped to lead research and policy efforts that address health challenges and improve outcomes for marginalized populations.
The program's strong community focus ensures research has a tangible public health impact. Students work directly with community partners to develop practical solutions, reinforcing the program's mission of advancing health equity through applied research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Through Auburn's partnerships with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, local healthcare organizations and community groups, students gain hands-on experience in research and intervention development. Faculty experts, including Dr. Mona El-Sheikh, guide students in conducting community-based participatory research, emphasizing real-world applications. Dr. El-Sheikh’s research on sleep deprivation and its effects on children’s health highlights the program’s interdisciplinary approach.
- Focus on Human Development: The program explores how social, emotional and developmental factors impact health disparities, emphasizing life course development and well-being.
- Tailored Research Opportunities: Students in this program have access to the Health Disparities Research Initiative (HDRI), engaging in interdisciplinary research with experts in policy, nutritional sciences and healthcare to develop solutions for health disparities, while benefiting from specialized resources and mentorship.
